Why does peppermint essential oil smell different than I might expect?

Aura Cacia peppermint essential oils may smell different than you expect because they are unrefined. Most other commercially available peppermint essential oils are refined (re-distilled). Here's the difference:

Our non-re-distilled peppermint essential oil is the pure essence as it occurs in the plant. It contains the plant's naturally occurring aroma -- a balance of suave, creamy, buttery nuances along with the powerful minty (menthol) note.

Re-distilled peppermint oil (purified/isolated menthol) is created by distilling the oil to separate and remove many of the compounds and isolate, then concentrate the menthol. Re-distilled peppermint has a much more one-dimensional, intense menthol aroma. We are more accustomed to this aroma because it is used in products like toothpaste, mouthwash and breath fresheners.